Device for performing foot hygiene

ABSTRACT

A foot hygiene device is described. The foot hygiene device includes a handle. The foot hygiene device also includes a holding member having two securing structures that secure a floss strip therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/234,793, entitled “Dr. T's Toe Floss” that was filed Aug. 19, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The techniques described herein relate generally to the field of performing foot hygiene.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with embodiments of the present techniques. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present techniques. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

The integumentary system, or the skin, is the body's first line of defense against harmful microorganisms and pathogens in the environment. Thus, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy skincare routine from head to toe. But some patients struggle to maintain healthy skin in their distal extremities. For example, elderly individuals may lack the strength and balance to bend over and clean their feet. Many diabetic patients develop a condition known as neuropathy. This causes a lack of sensation to the distal aspect of the feet and toes. This pathology is also seen in ischemic patients who have poor blood perfusion in their legs and decreased circulation to their capillaries, or microangiopathy. With this numbness, aging individuals can develop severe bacterial or fungal infections without even realizing it. If not caught in time, these infections can lead to bone infections that may require amputation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment described herein provides a foot hygiene device. The foot hygiene device includes a handle. A holding member is attached to the handle. The holding member includes two securing structures that secure a floss strip therebetween.

These and other features and attributes of the disclosed embodiments of the present techniques and their advantageous applications and/or uses will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter described herein, reference is made to the appended drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a device for performing foot hygiene that may be used in accordance with the present techniques;

FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the foot hygiene device of FIG. 1 , with a telescoping handle;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a holding member of a foot hygiene device according to the present techniques;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a holding member of a foot hygiene device according to the present techniques showing installation of a floss strip; and

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a person using a foot hygiene device according to the present techniques.

It should be noted that the figures are merely examples of the present techniques and are not intended to impose limitations on the scope of the present techniques. Further, the figures are generally not drawn to scale, but are drafted for purposes of convenience and clarity in illustrating various aspects of the techniques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description section, the specific examples of the present techniques are described in connection with preferred embodiments. However, to the extent that the following description is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular use of the present techniques, this is intended to be for exemplary purposes only and simply provides a description of the embodiments. Accordingly, the techniques are not limited to the specific embodiments described below, but rather, include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

At the outset, and for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition those skilled in the art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms shown below, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean one or more when applied to any embodiment described herein. The use of “a,” “an,” and/or “the” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated.

The term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “including,” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the term “any” means one, some, or all of a specified entity or group of entities, indiscriminately of the quantity.

The phrase “at least one,” when used in reference to a list of one or more entities (or elements), should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities, and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently, “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

As used herein, the phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” means “based only on,” “based at least on,” and/or “based at least in part on.”

As used herein, the terms “example,” exemplary,” and “embodiment,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, structures, or methods according to the present techniques, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, structure, or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, structures, or methods according to the present techniques. Thus, the described component, feature, structure, or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, structures, or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, structures, or methods, are also within the scope of the present techniques.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a foot hygiene device in accordance with the present technological innovation provides assistance for users who struggle to clean their feet. The foot hygiene device allows for ease of use by diabetic, ischemic, obese, and elderly patients. Such a device enables users to clean between their toes without having to bend over. An exemplary embodiment of the foot hygiene device features a long handle and a band or floss strip coated in an anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal agent. Exemplary embodiments of the present techniques provide an easy way to clean between toes to prevent infection and amputation.

FIG. 1 is a device for performing foot hygiene that may be used in accordance with the present techniques. The drawing is generally referred to by the reference number 100.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary as a design choice. Moreover, the specific dimensions of the foot hygiene device 102 are not an essential aspect of the present techniques.

The foot hygiene device 102 includes a handle 104 in the form of a long, plastic rod. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 104 may be approximately 26″ long and ¾″ wide. The other end from the handle 104 has a plastic holding member 106.

The holding member 106 may be a separate part or may be integral with the handle 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the holding member 106 is generally C-shaped. The specific shape and design characteristics of the holding member 106 are not essential aspects of the present technological innovation.

The holding member 106 of the foot hygiene device 102 includes two securing members 108. The securing members 108 are adapted to accommodate a floss strip 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the floss strip 110 stretches between securing members 108 of the holding member 106 like a rubber band. The floss strip 110 may comprise a thin piece of disposable material with anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial properties.

The floss strip 110 may be discarded after each individual use and replaced with a new floss strip for a subsequent use. Replacement floss strips may be packaged and sold separately. The foot hygiene device 102 allows individuals to easily reach and clean in between their digits without needing to bend over. Daily use of the foot hygiene device 102 helps to get rid of bacterial buildup on the skin. With daily use, the foot hygiene device 102 may prevent adverse health events such as infections from occurring.

FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the foot hygiene device of FIG. 1 , with a telescoping handle. The drawing is generally referred to by the reference number 200. The drawing shows an exemplary embodiment of the foot hygiene device 102. The foot hygiene device 102 is generally similar to the foot hygiene device 102 shown in FIG. 1 . The foot hygiene device 102 in FIG. 2 includes a handle 104 that has a telescoping shaft portion 105. The telescoping shaft portion 105 provides for ease of use by allowing a user to extend the handle to reach their feet without bending over.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a holding member of a foot hygiene device according to the present techniques. The drawing is generally referred to by the reference number 300.

The drawing 300 is a more detailed view of the holding member 106 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the holding member 106 includes two securing members 108. The securing members 108 may be curved in order to secure the floss strip 110 therebetween. The floss strip 110 may comprise a band or a single strand that includes apertures for securing the floss strip 110 to the securing members 108.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a holding member of a foot hygiene device according to the present techniques showing installation of a floss strip. The drawing is generally referred to by the reference number 400. The drawing 400 shows how the floss strip 110 may be secured to the securing members 108. As shown, the floss strip 110 may be secured to a first securing member 108 and then stretched to be secured to a second securing member 108.

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a person using a foot hygiene device according to the present techniques. The drawing is generally referred to by the reference number 500.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a person 502 may grasp the foot hygiene device 102 and move the floss strip 110 between each of their toes. The person may use the foot hygiene device when seated or when standing.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foot hygiene device, comprising: a handle; and a holding member attached to the handle, the holding member having two securing structures that secure a floss strip therebetween.
 2. The foot hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the handle is telescoping.
 3. The foot hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the holding member is C-shaped.
 4. The foot hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the securing structures are each curved, thereby to secure the floss strip therebetween.
 5. The foot hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the floss strip is disposable.
 6. The foot hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the floss strip comprises a band.
 7. The foot hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the floss strip comprises a single strand that includes apertures for securing the floss strip to the securing members.
 8. A method of performing foot hygiene with a foot hygiene device, the method comprising: grasping the foot hygiene device, the foot hygiene device comprising a handle, and a holding member attached to the handle, the holding member having two securing structures that secure a floss strip therebetween; and moving the floss strip between the digits of a foot of a user of the foot hygiene device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the handle of the foot hygiene device is telescoping.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the holding member of the foot hygiene device is C-shaped.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the securing structures of the foot hygiene device are each curved, thereby to secure the floss strip therebetween.
 12. The method of claim 8, comprising disposing of the floss strip.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the floss strip comprises a band.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the floss strip comprises a single strand that includes apertures for securing the floss strip to the securing members. 